Even ALS can't defeat the spirit of Steve Rockford. In 2012, Steve -- head wrestling coach, football defensive coach and special education teacher at Southeast High School in Springfield-- received the devastating news that he has ALS -- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's Disease. The disease, which affects the motor neurons, the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement, causes neurons to die and the muscles they control to become weak and then paralyzed. There is no cure. In Steve's case, the disease has caused slurred speech and muscle deterioration in his hands. Slurred speech made him difficult to understand, and no longer was he able to get down on the mat and demonstrate wrestling moves. Consequently, Steve resigned from Southeast at the end of last year, because he didn't want to short-change the kids. "It was the right thing to do," he told a reporter. Steve, who previously coached at Sacred Heart Griffin and Lanphier high schools, and his wife, Tammie, an Early Intervention Service Coordinator at the Sangamon County Public Health Department, and their "Fab Five" children have been a strong part of Springfield youth and high school athletics, making a difference in the lives of the community's youngsters. Steve also helped support the NWCA National College Duals during the two years Springfield hosted the massive tournament. He provided manpower, mats and his wrestling team to work throughout this event. More importantly, Steve cared about his wrestlers and players and worked to instill values, pride and respect to help them excel not only in competition, but also in life.